Alumni Spotlight: Cristy Jones

Our first alumni spotlight for April 2020 is Cristy Jones, a graduate of Westlake High School (2014) and of Spelman College (2017). After graduating from Spelman, Cristy was selected among many applicants for the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship and served as a Culture and Strategy Fellow at Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) supporting the implementation and expansion of district-wide talent initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes for 39,000 of Cleveland’s public school students. Cristy currently serves as a Talent Management Partner with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and is a graduate student at Cleveland State University. She was also a 2014 Georgia Youth Leadership Award winner!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Currently, I serve as a Talent Management Partner with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Cleveland, Ohio. By embracing the challenges of leadership, I have been able to successfully impact the lives of our scholars and flourish at Cleveland Metropolitan School District by assisting the Talent team in hiring excellent teachers, principals, and education administrators from diverse backgrounds. Working alongside CMSD leaders, I strategically support 88 central office hiring managers to improve staffing and talent management outcomes by counseling educational administrators on a broad range of human resources issues including professional development, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, retention and employee relations. My work extends from managing our Cleveland Teaching Fellows program to launching one of the District’s diversity pipeline and retention programs, Men of Color sHaping Academics (MOCHA), which was established in 2018 to create programming designed to increase engagement, retention and leadership rates for male staff of color within Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders played an integral role in my formation as a leader. Before participating in my first summer leadership camp in 2011, the G5 @ Goizueta Program (now called SYLI) at Emory University, I had great leadership potential but I was very insecure about my ability. G5 @ Goizueta was my first opportunity to cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals who shared similar college and career aspirations. Once I completed the program, I was hooked. From that experience, I participated in Leadership Unplugged, served on the 21st Century Leaders Youth Advisory Board, and with the Music Legal Department at Turner Broadcasting as the Turner Voices Intern. During my senior year at Westlake High School, I was honored at 21CL’s Georgia Youth Leadership Awards as a 20 Under 20 award recipient. Participating in 21st Century Leaders enhanced my self-esteem, my comfort with public speaking and challenged me to take on more leadership roles.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL’s leadership institutes enhanced my commitment to service and leadership within my school and community, and as a result I was selected to be a part of Spelman College’s Bonner Scholars Class of 2018. The Bonner Scholars Program is a service-based scholarship that is awarded to students who exemplify an attitude of servant leadership, a commitment to creating solutions for positive change in our society, and a passion for leading others in service. As a Bonner Scholar, I have served as a Teaching Assistant for Spanish classes at M. Agnes Jones Elementary, a Congressional Intern for Congressman John Lewis, and on the Summer Leadership Team for 21st Century Leaders. The Bonner Scholars Program has instilled invaluable life lessons and allowed me to engage in stimulating dialogue through seminars and workshops while bonding with other students whose passion lies in service.

While at Spelman, I interned with NBC Universal for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This experience was mainly inspired by my participation in 21st Century Leaders’ Leadership Unplugged Program with CNN in 2012. When I was in Leadership Unplugged, I was fascinated by CNN’s commitment to journalistic integrity during the summer broadcast of the 2012 Olympics and I desired to receive an international internship that provided similar leadership training and exposure that I received within 21st Century Leaders. The networking skills, elevator speeches, and business principles that I learned in 21CL helped me stand apart from my peers in Rio and led to my success in the NBC internship program.

After graduating from Spelman College in May 2017, I was selected as a 2017-2018 Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow and a Talent, Culture and Strategy Fellow at Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). The Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship provides recent college graduates the opportunity to immerse themselves in the public sector at a variety of agencies throughout the city of Cleveland. Out of 110 applicants from 20 states and 62 colleges and universities, only five fellows were selected for this program.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

The first program I participated in was the summer leadership camp at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in 2011; from then onward I participated in all the 21CL programs until I graduated from high school in 2014. I also served on the Youth Advisory Board during 2011-2013. From these experiences, I gained skills in public speaking, networking, facilitation, and time management.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My “aha” moment in 21st Century Leaders occurred after I graduated from high school. While I was in college, I interned with 21CL and was able to witness firsthand the amount of work and the dedication of the staff into the programming of each summer camp and event. From this experience, I realized that the success of the 21st Century Leaders program was due to the genuine leadership of Bob, Kate and Jasmine and their commitment to encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone and be fearless leaders

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

My experience at 21CL has helped to showcase the determination, confidence, positivity, ingenuity, and collaborative nature that I exemplify as a leader. By embracing the challenges of leadership, I have been able to successfully flourish in my leadership roles.

Alumni Spotlight: Queentela Benjamin

Our second alumni spotlight for February 2020 is Queentela Benjamin, a graduate of Campbell High School (Smyrna) (2013) and of Boston University (2017). She is one of the 2013 Gates Millennium Scholars- a scholarship that has funded both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Queentela is currently a dual degree candidate for Masters Degrees in Biomedical Science and in Public Health at Tufts University School of Medicine.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a student at Tufts University School of Medicine where I am a dual degree candidate for masters degrees in Biomedical Science and Public Health (MBS/MPH). My area of concentration is Health Services Management and Policy. I chose this program because it allows me to fuse my intrigue of foundational biomedical concepts with my interest in broader aspects of public health. With this knowledge, I am able to understand overarching health issues and trends without losing sight of their scientific underpinnings. For example, understanding the trends in the prevalence of HIV in developing nations is one thing, however, also understanding exactly how antiretroviral therapies work to reduce the viral loads in our bodies adds another level of comprehension. My goal is to be able to find ways to merge both buckets of knowledge, preferably working to reduce preventable health disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I am also rooted in this work domestically in my work at Health Leads, a healthcare organization that works to address social determinants of health by engaging with health systems and key decision makers in the U.S. In my specific role, I manage the database of national and community-based resources that our various hospital partners use to close the ‘need-gap’ that many patients face when seeking medical care. We ask questions such as, “what basic resources does this patient need in order to achieve healthier outcomes?”. This essential question stands at the epicenter of my daily work and really compels me to think of ways to contribute to the efforts to make our health system more equitable.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

One of 21CL’s core principles is the teaching of being ‘service-oriented.’ Learning this earlier on as a high school student helped shape my approach to academic and professional development. I made it a priority to engage in community-based service opportunities when in college. Throughout the four years, I volunteered in the pediatrics department of Boston Medical Center, working to connect families to community resources to address their basic social and healthcare needs. I listened to their concerns, provided support, and allowed them to take the lead in directing the course of my assistance. Through weekly follow-ups with families and individuals, I was able to build relationships and help them access basic resources they needed to get healthier.

This community engagement opportunity equipped me with the skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to my current role. I use these earlier encounters to inform the work that I do and daily decisions that I make. Utilizing 21CL’s principle of being service-oriented, I have led my team on multiple projects, including an initiative to update our standards of work to be patient-centered, clear, and written with consideration of the most vulnerable populations in our communities. This experience has taught me that, when we are service-oriented, we can create systems that keep the most vulnerable people in mind and, in turn, open doors for greater equity in health care access and outcomes.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL helped me orient my mind to confidently take full advantage of opportunities that I came across while in college. With this mindset, I ensured that I took on meaningful leadership roles that resonated with my core mission and values. For example, I co-lead my campus’ Gates Millennium Scholars organization, which gave me an opportunity to organize professional development workshops. I also took on a leadership role within my campus’ Minority Associate of Pre-health Students (MAPS). In my last year, I assumed the role of campus coordinator, recruiting and training more patient advocates to staff the pediatrics desk at Boston Medical Center. This gave me a stepping stool to my first full-time job opportunity post-college.

While juggling the various roles I have played, one thing that has constantly resonated with me is the concept of balance. When I commit to something, I like to give it my all. Therefore, it was important that I not only engage in these opportunities, but to ensure that each process was purposeful for me. I also realized that I couldn’t do it all and needed to have balance. Some days I forget this, thinking that I am superwoman. But taking a step back and always re-evaluating my ‘why’ has kept me grounded. I am thankful that this learning process started around 21CL.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I was in the 2012 Cohort of the CNN Leadership Unplugged program, stationed at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). This was an invaluable experience for both personal and professional reasons. First of all, this program was offered at a significantly reduced cost compared to a lot of other summer programs. This made it affordable for me to be able to participate and build key skills that I would need in college and beyond. I engaged in workshops, sharpened my presentation skills, collaborated with team members and learned how to network. This exposure has made me more confident in my academic and professional work. Seeing the benefits, I encouraged my two younger siblings to also participate in this program. They did, and they loved it. I also later served on the Junior Advisory Board.

The impact of participating in this program has been lasting. I met one of my mentors, Dr. Dede Teteh, through 21CL. Through her guidance and support, I applied and was blessed to be chosen as one of the 2013 Gates Millennium Scholars—a scholarship that has funded me through my undergraduate and graduate studies. All in all, I am thankful for the lessons, skills and robust network that I was able to form through this program.

 What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?

21CL was also one of my first opportunities to build on my speaking and facilitation skills. These skills have been essential for me– both academically and professionally. One of the first speeches I delivered was actually at the 21CL summer leadership institute closing ceremony, and that gave me the confidence to continue to study how to connect with different audiences over the years. Since then, I have given more speeches, sat on panels, facilitated discussions and presentations and generally built more confidence in this area. I am glad that I had the exposure to team building and facilitation earlier on because this provided a platform on which I have continued building upon.

Alumni Spotlight: Alfonzo Washington

Our first alumni spotlight for February 2020 is Alfonzo Washington, a graduate of Woodland High School (2012) and of Albany State University (2016). He currently works as a teacher at Henry County Schools and has recently joined the 21CL Junior Board of Directors.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now

I currently work as a middle school teacher in Henry County Schools, I serve as team lead for my grade and I coach football and basketball. I have also served as a Summer Leadership Team member three times and I plan to continue every summer for as long as the organization will have me. 

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

When I attended the first summer institute (EarthCare) I was reserved and didn’t have much understanding of what my purpose was or why I was chosen to be part of this illustrious program. By the time I was a senior and participating in my final summer institute- Leadership Unplugged (now Youth Media Institute), I had accomplished so many things in school that have a direct correlation to my involvement with 21st Century Leaders. The program made me into the man I am today by instilling confidence in me and helping me find my passion of working with youth and inspiring the next generation the way my 21CL staff did for me. Serving on the Summer Leadership Team brings back good memories for me while creating new memories seeing the next generation excel.

I owe 21st Century Leaders a lot for developing me as a leader and as a man. Being a 21st Century Leader is one of the most important things I’ve ever done in my life. I love the organization and I will always do what I can to support the program.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

I have been blessed to accomplish great milestones in my collegiate and professional careers and I credit 21st Century Leaders for it.  During my college years I was challenged with being a Holley Ambassador, my responsibility in this organization was to serve as a tour guide for incoming freshmen and transfer students. I also served as a mentor for new students and today, I still have a relationship with many of my mentees. I am most proud of serving as president of my fraternity- Beta Psi chapter, I earned the trust of my brothers to lead them and be the face of the organization when I was new in the fraternity. As a professional I have been a football coach, basketball coach for my school and been awarded the Stockbridge Middle School Teacher of the Month title at least once in each of the last three years. If it had not been for the leadership and professionalism I learned from 21st Century Leaders I would not be where I am today.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

During high school I had the pleasure of being involved with 21st Century leaders from the summer of 2009 to the summer of 2011. During those years I went to EVERY summer leadership institute; G5 at Goizueta (now SYLI), Leadership Unplugged, Leadership Plugged In, Earthcare at Berry, as well as, the Georgia Southern program. I also went to all the school-year events and had the pleasure of serving on the Youth Ambassadors each year in the program. All of the 21st Century Leaders programs had a great impact on my life both personally and professionally.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?

What I can’t forget is presenting my first project with my team at EarthCare in 2009, it was my first time presenting in front of judges with a group! Having to lean on a group of individuals outside of a sporting platform was interesting and also showed me how I could incorporate my athletic competitiveness to other aspects of life.

Something else that I can’t forget is meeting great instructors and youth workers who helped guide me in the right direction. I am still thankful to those individuals which is why I work so hard to do the same for others. Whether it is a week at Georgia Tech working with our SYLI students, or a week in my sixth grade social studies class, my goal is the same, give my all to these kids!

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Key principles of leadership that I learned from 21CL and that I apply most in my professional career are passion, service-oriented and forward-thinking. These traits have played a pivotal role in my leadership development journey. Passion is in everything I do whether it is acknowledged or not because I always want the people that I work with to know that I care and will be there for them. I think having passion in what you do and being unapologetic about it is important because people will always know where you stand. Every achievement I have made is because I was passionate in what I was doing, I worked hard and believed in myself and others took note of that passion. I was lucky enough to be recognized for that but I still would have the same passion even without recognition. When it comes to service-oriented forward-thinking, it is the very reason I chose the Education profession. I truly believe in the next generation and feel that it is my duty to arm the next leaders with the tools they need to succeed in life.

I plan to do more studies and specialize in education and to one day open a school with a focus on performing arts and athletics for low income and talented kids who face barriers to display their talents. I have worked with many students who have athletic or arts talent and many of them rely on those talents to get them to where they want to be and forget about the importance of performing well in school.

Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Ona

Our second alumni spotlight for January 2020 is Brandon Ona, a graduate of Mill Creek High School (2012) and of The George Washington University (2016). He currently works as an Associate International Trade Manager at Georgia Department of Economic Development where he has been working since 2017 after his previous work at The White House! Brandon has recently joined the 21CL Junior Board of Directors.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Since graduating college, I have worked in the public sector for both federal and state government. Today, I work for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and my role is to help small businesses in Georgia access economic opportunities in countries around the world. I always try to find time to volunteer at 21CL events where I provide my experience to students currently in the program and share the incredible opportunities that being a part of 21CL has opened up to me; I have just started serving on the 21CL Junior Board of Directors and my hope is to continue inspiring young people, and to share my message that the “secret to success” for a meaningful career is to find out who you care about the most and what you are best at, and when you put the two together, you change the game for everyone else.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

I participated in the 2011 Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now called the Youth Media Institute) program with 21CL, a program that was designed to develop our leadership skills through the lens of journalism. From the moment I arrived, I was eager to meet the other young leaders, who like myself, were high school students from Georgia. However, as I got to know my new peers, I quickly learned that we all had different stories despite having so much in common.

Admittedly at the time, and still to this day, I had no interest in making a career in journalism, let alone being a leader in this field. However, during the program, we learned how to lead with curiosity to find the common thread through our diverse stories.  This is when the leadership skills through journalism came into play and changed my life. In many ways, I learned how to relate and connect with others, while admiring what sets us apart. To me this was, and very much still is the ultimate lesson in leadership, and I am so grateful to have learned this as a young person. As a 21st Century Leader, I realized for the first time that leadership is finding what is unique and universal in all of us, and knowing that our diversity is what propels us forward. This is a principle I have carried with me ever since, and has led me to opportunities I could never have imagined possible if it was not for a 21CL program.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

One of my biggest takeaways from 21CL was the importance of being of service to others. I took this to heart, and upon graduating high school, pursued a career in public service with the hopes of working in and with government entities to help everyday people live more fulfilling lives. One incredible opportunity/accomplishment that came from this was early on in my career. The day after I graduated college, I was appointed to serve as an aide at The White House’s Office of Management and Budget. In this role, I helped move various aspects of the President’s agenda forward, most of which were focused on helping Americans get back on their feet during the economic recovery that followed the Great Recession.

Throughout my career as a public servant at both the federal and state level of government, the core of the work I do is trying to understand the challenges people face, the hopes they hold, and the environment in which they live, to figure out how I and the institution I work for can be of service to them. All of which are leadership skills I began to learn with 21CL. 21CL set forth the momentum for me to be prepared for the incredible opportunity of working for the President of the United States on behalf of the American people.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in both a summer leadership institute and school-year program. One important skill I gained from these programs was authentic storytelling. Being able to listen and learn someone’s story and tell it truthfully through the work I do has been invaluable in my life.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

One moment I will never forget from the program was watching a few of my peers on live television getting interviewed CNN en Español with the headline that translated to “meet the leaders of tomorrow.” It was so inspiring to watch them and know that even though we met just two days ago, they are now having an impact on the world.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

The single most important skill I learned at 21CL was leading with curiosity- learning people’s stories and figuring out how I can be of service to them, or work with them to be of service to others. In recent years, I have learned that leading with curiosity does not necessarily feel like you are a “very important leader.” Instead, in the moment, you feel like a person who really wants to help someone else simply because you care. In fact, often times the last thing you think is that you are leader. However, when you lead with curiosity, you move someone’s life forward, which moves the world forward even in the smallest way.

Alumni Spotlight: Amira Daugherty

Our second Alumni Spotlight for November 2019 is Amira Daugherty, a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and of Agnes Scott College (2019). She served as the President of Agnes Scott College’s Student Government Association for the 2017-2018 school year and this past summer, Amira worked for a Georgia Congressman and now serves as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux’s campaign. Her professional accomplishments exemplify her ability to mix personal achievement and servant leadership. 

Amira says that 21st Century Leaders taught her to step out of her comfort zone in order to lead effectively. She aspires to become an attorney and run for public office!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

My aspirations since I was a 21st Century Leader, is to become an attorney and run for public office and 2019 has been largely about ensuring these dreams come into fruition. This summer, I was named an MPAC Congressional Leadership Development Fellow and a Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation Scholar, both of which afforded me the opportunity to serve as an intern in the office of Congressman Hank Johnson. Currently, I serve as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux, who is running for Congress to bring equity to healthcare, education, and accessible living.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders’ training prepared me to be confident in a myriad of settings. From learning to present before Turner executives, to being trained on how to properly approach a standard three-course business dinner, 21CL exposed me to the world I am aiming to become a part of at a young age.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders emphasized the importance of servant leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. As a student, I felt compelled to lead classroom discussions, help lay ground rules for constructive dialogue, and to approach projects from a different angle than expected. As a student leader, I joined organizations that were not directly aligned with my own issues, as 21CL reminded us to reach outside of our comfort zones in order to lead effectively. I ultimately rose to the position of SGA President, making me the first Muslim student in the school’s history to do so. 21CL’s belief in me was undoubtedly a part of my development into the type of leader who could take on that role.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in both Leadership Unplugged:A CNN Experience and the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now the WarnerMedia Youth Media Institute). I gained a lot of insight on media, and how to properly navigate this world as an aspiring public servant.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

I made several life-long friends in 21CL, particularly from my work groups and teams! I am so inspired to see them still aspiring to lead in their communities, and it is such an honor to have been a part of their journey.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I have always believed in the power of servant leadership, but 21st Century Leaders was one of the first organization to give me a name for it. Every position I have held has required me to sit back and listen far more than I speak, which has helped me better empathize with the people I serve. I believe that the training sessions I had in high school made me hyper-aware of the way taking the time to listen is such a powerful tool in a leader’s belt.

Alumni Spotlight: Asher Jones

21CL Alumnus Asher Jones is our first Alumni Spotlight for the month of November! He is a graduate of Roswell High School (2013) and Georgia State University (2017). Asher works as Program Manager for Leadership Connect at 21st Century Leaders Inc., managing several programs including, Leadership Connect – the online learning platform, 21Clubs, our Youth Ambassadors, Summer Immersion Program, and collaborates with our other Program Manager on all other 21CL programmatic efforts! Asher is a football enthusiast turned into a great leader, he says that 21CL inspired him to look into other interesting careers and transformed him into a more collaborative leader and team-player. 

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are?

Participating in 21CL in high school greatly improved my understanding of careers outside the ones I was initially interested in. Before 21CL, all I really cared about was football and basing everything in my life around football. After I attended a 21CL program, I was able to understand the wide range of careers that also peaked my interest.

I came back to work as part of the staff for the Summer Leadership Team in 2017 and luckily found a full-time role with 21st Century Leaders soon thereafter. I joined 21st Century Leaders because as an alumnus of the program I know first hand what a great experience it is for high school students. The relationships and contacts I cultivated as a result of 21st Century Leaders have been very impactful. I am so excited to now be able to be an integral part of contributing to the development of those relationships on the other side!

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL helped prepare me for college and the next steps in my life simply by exposing them to me. I had never stayed in a dorm room, networked with a professional or really spent much time on a college campus before 21CL, so to be able to combine all those things in one week, through the summer leadership institutes, was truly transformative. Along with enhancing my public speaking skills as I am a naturally outgoing person, 21CL also helped me develop my critical thinking skills as well as my team building skills by putting me in situations that forced me to evaluate and analyze situations while also relying on others for assistance – which I wasn’t necessarily great at before.

Which programs did you participate in and what stood out to you? 

I attended Leadership Unplugged in 2011 and Leadership Plugged In 2012 (both are merged to our Youth Media Institute). While I can’t really recall a true “aha” moment, I do remember all the conversations and experiences I had with peers and professionals to this day and I value them greatly.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21CL did help me enhance my leadership style by instilling in me the importance of team building and reliance on others. I was (and still am) am a pretty stubborn person who likes to do things his own way and always thought other people would hinder rather than help me in the end. 21CL showed me it’s quite the opposite and how to properly value the contributions of others in order to be a more effective leader. It is something I still grow in everyday but there has been definite improvement and I have 21CL to thank. If you need proof, ask Nicole (our other Program Manager)!

 

Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Leyting

Our second Alumni Spotlight for October 2019 is Jennifer Leyting a graduate of Collins Hill High School (2007) and of The University of Georgia ( 2011). She currently works as an Administrative Specialist II at the University of Georgia. She is an artist who painted one of the big Athens bulldawg statues for the UGA Police Department and who is championing many other initiatives.  Jennifer says 21CL provided a safe space to just be and believe in her genuine self and have positive peer relationships.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am working as an Administrative Specialist II in the Department of Infectious Diseases at College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Georgia. I also work as the assistant to the department head and the digital media coordinator for the department. I handle records requests, records retention, and some ordering. I’m on the EITS Mentorship Council, which runs this program.

I also serve as Coordinator on the UGA Staff Council representing the College of Veterinary Medicine and I’m on the Steering Committee for the United Campus Workers of Georgia Local 3265. University of Georgia was where the union got started, now we have over 430 members across 9 campuses and we are currently working on a statewide campaign for cost of living raises for USG employees.

I’m living in Watkinsville, GA with my significant other, Alex Medina, and 3 stepsons, 2 of which are Eagle Scouts. Alex and I have volunteered for many years with Boy Scout Troop 44 out of Winterville, GA, which is the troop that all 3 boys were in. We both have volunteered in the Society of Creative Anachronism Kingdom of Meridies Barony of Bryn Madoc for many years, Alex still volunteers with this group. I’ve since started my art career, and I have painted one of the big Athens bulldawg statues for the UGA Police Department which is now housed in the Hodgson Oil Building. I also participated in the Lake Herrick Eco-Art Project where teams of scientists and artists created works themed around the clean-up effort and reopening at Lake Herrick on UGA’s campus. My team’s project was accepted at the poster session at the Georgia Water Resources Conference and is now on display at the River Basin Center. I’m also currently working on some pieces to submit to the Winterville Arts Council.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Participating in 21CL had a profound effect on my life. For the first time since the death of my grandfather the summer after 4th grade, something was able to get me out of my own head. The facilitators, teachers, and RA’s of 21CL saw value and potential in me and more importantly they were able to make me see these things in myself. I know that sounds super cliché, but I had already attempted suicide once by the time a representative came to my school to invite students to summer camp. I actually only applied because my mom said it would look good on my resume. 21CL was the first place in a long time where I was able to have positive peer relationships. I was outside of the bubble of influence of upper middle class Gwinnett County suburbia. I was exposed to people from all sorts of different backgrounds from across the state, folks that I would not have gotten the opportunity to interact with otherwise. These people became my friends. Friends who were actually concerned about my health and well-being. Friends who invited me to events and genuinely were excited to see me when I showed up. These experiences were so foreign and new to me. I think one of the greatest things that 21CL did for me was give me hope, which inspired me. It inspired me to live. As I took control of my own life instead of just living on the autopilot plan that had been chosen for me by public school and my parents of go to college, get a job and have one’s life entirely defined by one’s career, I started to comprehend what I had gained during my time in the program and how I could pay that kindness forward. I wanted to be a resource for others like 21CL had been for me. I majored in family financial planning and got a Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Sciences. I had the knowledge so was able to serve as the Merit Badge Counselor in Troop 44 for the Personal Management Merit badge, which deals with consumer economics, saving & investing, project planning, and time management. These boys came from families where financial literacy was most certainly not being taught. I was in a position where I could help so I did. I’ve also used my own personal mental health journey to be an advocate for spreading awareness about depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. At work, I make sure to promote wellness and mental health awareness to our graduate students and my coworkers. For several years, I have celebrated May as Mental Health Awareness Month by putting out my own stories and struggles as well as resources on various topics to help end the stigma around mental health. The momentum kept going.

Through my leadership certificate from UGA, I learned more about different types of leadership and how leadership is influence. I wanted to be a positive influence on a grassroots level where ever I was, regardless of how small of an interaction I had with someone. I have done my best to teach my stepsons to respect all people, to care about issues of those less fortunate or less privileged than themselves, to take care of themselves and process their emotions is a productive manner, and solve conflicts by using their words instead of violence. Basically, I would not be the person I am today without 21CL. They saved me.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

 I think that 21CL took away some of that fear of interacting with people I didn’t know and also gave me the courage to put myself out there for opportunities, knowing that I might not succeed at all of them. I think that 21CL showed me that my perseverance could be applied to more than just surviving the daily grind. I applied to UGA’s Honors Program and was denied, instead of giving up I got a 4.0 my fall semester and reapplied and was admitted. I ended up graduating with an Honors Program capstone. I applied for the UGA Student Government Associate Student Senate and was denied, instead of having a pity party, I went into the SGA general body and joined the academic committee. After I was admitted into the Terry College of Business, I rushed for the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and was denied, but I joined the Medieval and Renaissance Society where I ended up serving as President, meeting Alex, and ultimately getting a part time job at UGA in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences IT department. Basically, life is strange and twisty, if I had just given up I wouldn’t be where I am now!

I still remember the “Model the Way” exercise and trying to fold that dang origami thing. I remember this when I am training people that everyone has a different learning style and showing people is often one of the best ways to give instruction.

I also remember the blind fold obstacle course activity. I’m reminded that precise communication is extremely important and also to have faith in your team. There have been a lot of individuals on the autism/aspergers spectrum that I have met in my adult life and it’s that level of exact communication that is sometimes needed. In fact, one of my stepsons has aspergers.

These are things that occurred over a decade ago. A week at summer camp. A weekend leadership trip. An evening networking event. Small amounts of time with huge impacts. 21CL really taught me to take the time and see situations from other people’s perspectives. This has been invaluable working in the union when we are talking about issues relating to non-administrative staff or employees on other campuses or traditionally underpaid workers in the Athens Clarke County community.

Also as silly as it is sounds, learning how to salsa made me realize I could dance. I went on to learn medieval and renaissance dances and even perform an Old English Country dance in costume in front of A LOT of people at the UGA Student Organization Involvement Fair.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in the summer leadership institutes; one of which was held at Oglethorpe University. I went on to work as an RA for the 21CL summer camps, specifically Oglethorpe, Berry College, & Emory, while I was in college. I think the biggest take away I got from 21CL was an appreciation for diversity in all of its many forms. Having been to camp and met campers from all different backgrounds gave me some perspective on life and encouraged my emotional maturity at time when I was immersed in the rather homogeneous culture of white middle class suburbia. I feel that 21CL gave me the confidence to stretch outside of my comfort zone and introduce myself to folks that I would have been too nervous to talk to otherwise. I learned to be more people oriented and to slow down and listen to others. Sometimes the problem isn’t the problem, sometimes the problem is that people just feel like they are not being heard.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

I remember one of the summer staff members, Jessica, teaching us table setting and formal dining etiquette. That’s something I have passed down to my stepsons. Even when I’m at conferences or formal lunches, I still make a B and D with my hands to remember which drink is mine. It’s just simple stuff like that, that sticks with you.

Speaking of formal dinners, the pre-dinner networking was probably the scariest thing that I did at the summer program. But without it, I don’t think I would have forced myself to get over my fear of talking to people I didn’t know. Also having to introduce a speaker was terrifying but helped me get over speaking in front of a crowd. Though I haven’t had to specifically introduce speakers recently, I’ve had to present at faculty meetings. I challenge anyone to find a tougher audience than academics who don’t want to be in a meeting.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I think the program helped me realize that there were different leadership styles and different situations could call for different styles and to remain flexible with each new project or new team so I could adapt my style to what was needed to accomplish our goals.

At the end of the day, you have to be okay with the decisions you make. You have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and be okay with the person looking back at you. You have to be to be able to sleep soundly knowing you stuck firmly to your ethics, regardless of what anyone else said, did, voted, etc. It’s easy to be that person when times are easy. It’s a lot harder to be that person when actually confronted with adversity. Being a leader is hard, especially when the stakes are high. You have to make the tough decisions, sometimes when you don’t have all the information or all the answers. Sometimes you are going to be the only one who votes on a particular side of an issue. I lived through that this past spring regarding a union conflict. No matter how much pressure or guilt or other tactics were applied, I had my conscience to answer to. The one thought that kept circling in my mind during the whole situation was that I was so thankful that Bob and Zeena and Jeremy and Mike and the whole 21CL family had raised me right and already prepared me for a moment like this.

Alumni Spotlight: Amara Tennessee

Amara Tennessee is our first Alumni Spotlight for the month of October, She is a graduate of Roswell High School (2015) and currently a senior at Georgia College & State University, double majoring in Public Health and Spanish with a concentration in Spanish for the Health Professionals, and a minor in Global Health Studies.  Amara has remained engaged with 21st Century Leaders long after high school by serving as part of our summer staff for our summer institutes in 2018 and 2019.  Amara says 21CL encouraged her to pursue a life she is proud of, and gave me the tools necessary to obtain that life.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I graduated from Roswell High School in 2015 and then moved to Ypane, Paraguay where I worked as a medical volunteer for 11 months. During my time in Paraguay, I worked in a mobile vaccination clinic at El Centro de Salud and a cardiology and diabetes center at Centro de Especialidades. My gap year allowed me to explore an entirely new culture that was vastly different than my own. I was given the opportunity to further my Spanish language skills and my experiences aided in shaping my college experiences as well. In Paraguay I was introduced to the world of public health and the implementation of public health programming. In April, I was awarded as Georgia College’s School of Health and Human Performances’ “Outstanding Junior in Public Health” as voted on by professors and faculty of my University. I am looking forward to graduation in May 2020 and all that the future holds for me.

How did participating in 21 CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders taught me that leadership is centered by connecting with those around you for the purpose of improving and empowering others. Once I recognized my ability as a leader, it transformed my interactions with everyone I interacted with. 21CL showed me how much I enjoy working with people and how important it is for me personally to encourage people to live their best lives. 21CL is a unique and explorative opportunity!

How did 21 CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL helped me recognize the courage in following your individual path. My college experience has been full to say the least. I have had the ability to study abroad in Santiago, Chile and work in a hospital at La Universidad de Los Andes. I was invited to serve as a translator in a medical clinic and to teach prevention methods of vector borne illnesses in Honduras this upcoming fall as an accompaniment to my Universities Nursing program. 21st Century Leaders encouraged me to pursue a life I am proud of, and gave me the tools necessary to obtain that life. I learned invaluable networking skills, and became more confident as a public speaker. Each of the lessons I have learned over the years with 21CL has aided in my growth and development as a leader.

 Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in 21st Century Leaders’ year round programs including two of their summer leadership institutes; Earth Care in 2012 and the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) in 2013. I attended their school-year live summits and  served on the Youth Ambassadors in 2013 and 2014 school years. These experiences taught me how to learn from those around me. I was able to work with students who were equally as ambitious and yet so different than I. I learned to listen intently,  as it’s important to take a step back and listen. Instead of listening with the intent to reply, I learned to listen with the intent to understand. It’s important that people feel heard and as I leader I strive to ensure that.

 What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

 I cherish my time with 21CL, because it was one of the most unique experiences I have been able to take part in. I value how collaborative the entire program is. 21CL fostered an environment where a group of students were able to collaborate. The R+ memos we received at the end of the programs were such an encouraging surprise. I was overwhelmed with the kindness of my peers and their genuine desire for everyone’s success in leadership and life. I was able to leave summer programs with a new set of friends and a new set of skills that have only propelled my leadership skills.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I would describe my leadership style as being “service led”. I genuinely take joy in seeing the success of others around me; it both humbles and motivates me. I value my interpersonal skills and I recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. It is important to know that leadership also means constant growth, every interaction and situation will be different than the one before. It is important to be adaptable while still staying firm in your morals.

Alumni Spotlight: William K. Holley, IV

Our second spotlight for September is William K. Holley, IV a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and currently a computer science senior at Georgia State University. He has served as 21CL Youth Ambassador and regularly volunteers with many organizations including 21st Century Leaders. William has also worked our summer leadership team for our summer leadership institutes in 2018 and 2019. In his post, William shares how 21CL facilitated him to understand the power of diversity and shaped his leadership style.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a Computer Science senior at Georgia State University. I am also the Digital Editor of The Signal (the official student newspaper of Georgia State University) and a Cartoon Network Digital QA Intern.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Participating in 21CL through student programs and leadership roles gave me the experience, knowledge, and confidence necessary to sculpt my current and future self.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Every exercise, conversation, and interaction with 21CL is designed to prepare you for professional world. Easily the most impactful skill/tool/perspective was that of social interaction. One’s ability to deliver a message accurately, passionately, and with respect is translatable to every situation in life.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in the summer institutes including, Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2014 during my tenure as a student member of 21CL. I also served as a Youth Ambassador from 2014-2016 during the school years and attended the school-year leadership summits and service projects. My ability to communicate a clear and concise message was definitely improved the most through those programs and opportunities.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

The most memorable moment in 21CL was definitely winning the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now YMI) program in 2014. I was in a state of awe and was not expecting to then present the pitch on stage in front of about 120 people.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Absolutely. From the day you begin your journey with 21CL you will witness firsthand how diverse this world truly is. People from all walks of life come together with a centralized goal to lead in their schools, communities, social lives, and professions. Understanding the power of diversity and how it makes us stronger as a unit is easily the greatest way 21CL assisted me in developing my leadership style. I no longer go into situations thinking just of myself, but now of who I am, who I represent, and how I can make a positive impact on everyone.

Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Flanigan

Lauren Flanigan is a graduate of Miller Grove High School (2011) and of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business (2015). She currently works as Brand Manager at Mondelez International and she volunteers regularly in areas of education and mentorship. In this post, Lauren  shares about her leadership journey and how 21CL taught her to be confident and to voice her perspective even when it’s different from the group’s, which she says is a foundation for good leadership. She describes herself as a collaborative, empowering and daring leader!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently working as a Brand Manager at Mondelez International. Thus far, I have enjoyed a thriving career at Mondelez, receiving multiple promotions in my 4 years at the company. I also recently graduated from the Mondelez International Leadership Essentials Program and was selected by Mondelez to participate in the 2019 Google Insider Program (an invitation-only program designed to educate and inspire rising stars in the industry). During my time at Mondelez, I have been lucky enough to work on several of Mondelez’s brands, including Trident gum, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Belvita, Oreo Chocolate, Toblerone, Nilla Wafers, and Nutter Butter, just to name a few! In my current role, I am responsible for developing and executing the brand strategy, activation and media plans for Trident gum.

In my spare time, I enjoy volunteer work, particularly in the areas of education and mentorship. I have volunteered in these spaces formally and informally and recently completed a two-year volunteer commitment with America Needs You. I am also an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and candle-maker. For fun, I enjoy travel, wine tasting and spending time with friends and family.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21CL was my first exposure to the world of Media. I distinctly remember the CNN studio visit, where I first learned about media and production. I was totally enamored with all the moving parts and people that went into bringing something to the screen. It was the first time I started to think differently about the process of creation and the way that brands played a role in this ecosystem. After graduating the program, I went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. From there, I took on several internships, including internships at Turner Broadcasting and Kick Ass Productions, where I learned more about Media and media’s connection to branding. This eventually led me to learn about career opportunities in brand management, which I ended up pursuing and absolutely loving! In my current role, media and production play a major part in my day to day responsibilities. I lead the production of commercials for the brands I work on and work closely with media partners to ensure our brands show up on the right platforms. To think, it really all started with the spark 21CL ignited!

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

In addition to the career exposure, 21CL prepared me for college and professional life by helping me to hone my leadership skills. 21CL helped me to gain confidence in public speaking and networking, both of which play large roles in my current profession (such as my recent presentation to over 600 of Mondelez’s sales force at our National Sales Meeting). Additionally, 21CL emphasized the importance of keeping these skills in practice. That emphasis influenced me to take on leadership roles during college, such as Vice President of Recruiting for my sorority of 200+ girls, and in the workforce, where I currently serve as the President of the Mondelez International African American Council. 

  Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

 I participated in 21st Century Leaders: Leadership Unplugged (now Youth Media Institute) as a sophomore in high school in 2009. As aforementioned, I definitely gained a lot of confidence from the program. Particularly in public speaking and networking.

 What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My memorable “aha” was spending part of the summer away from family and friends to focus on my development. This was a first for me, and was something that I continued to do in the summers and years to come. It helped me to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable and forced me out of my comfort zone. It helped me to learn that I can stand on my own, which is an important leadership value. In learning that I can stand on my own, I’ve had the confidence to have and voice my own perspective, even if it’s different from the group. This is an important skill and is a foundation pillar of good leadership.

 Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, empowering, and daring. I believe that good leaders should be daring enough to have and share their own perspective, even if that means going against the grain. I also believe that a good leader empowers others to do the same and then collaborates with the team to bring those perspectives together. 21CL does a great job of emphasizing collaboration and learning from others. Today, there’s more diversity of thought, background, and perspective than ever! When leveraged properly, this increased emphasis on, and pool of, diversity is a huge asset for leaders and organizations. 21CL helped me to understand this value very early on and has helped shape the leadership style that I have today.